11 Cedar Point Tips: The Ultimate Guide to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World

Ask any roller coaster fanatic which theme park is their favorite and the answer shouldn’t surprise you. Cedar Point.

Cedar Point is the thrill ride capital of the world with 18 extreme roller coasters and other adrenaline rush-inducing attractions. Best of all, the park really does have something for everyone with several world-class shows, kiddie areas, a beach on Lake Erie, and a gigantic waterpark!

Keep these quick Cedar Point tips for your upcoming trip to the roller coaster capital!

1. Buy Tickets Before You Go

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is buying tickets at the gate. Not only will you be stuck in never-ending lines, but you’ll also pay full price!

By purchasing your Cedar Point tickets in advance, you’ll take advantage of huge savings, leaving more money in your budget for in-park fun and entertainment. Plus, you’ll bypass that massive ticket line and head right into the park.

2. Download the Cedar Park App

Before you head to Cedar Point, download the park’s app. Using the app, you can find:

• A Park Map
• Ride Wait Times
• Special Offers
• Car Finder

The app can be the difference between a day frantically searching for rides and an easy, enjoyable day at Cedar Point.

3. Spend More Than One Day at the Park

Unlike most amusement parks, you can’t experience everything at Cedar Point in a single day. That’s why one of the top Cedar Point tips is to make a vacation out of it! Spend at least two days at the park, experiencing all there is to do and see.

On top of world-class rides, the park boasts:

• Epic Shows
• Special Events
• Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
• VIP Tours
• Hands-On Activities like Candle Making
• A Petting Zoo
• Meet & Greets with PEANUTS Characters

And that’s not the whole list!

Rather than rushing around Cedar Point trying to check off a list of rides and things to do, take your time at the park by staying more than one day.

To make the most out of your Cedar Point vacation, consider purchasing a vacation package. When you combine your Cedar Point tickets with your choice of nearby Sandusky hotel, you’ll save even more than you would on just tickets! Plus, if you choose to stay at a Cedar Point hotel, you’ll take advantage of great rewards like early access to the park and other discounts.

4. Wear Comfortable Attire

No matter how long you choose to spend at the park, your choice of attire can make or break the entire trip.

Since Cedar Point is so big, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. We’re talking multiple miles in a single visit! To keep your energy up, wear comfortable walking shoes like sneakers. Leave the flip-flops, flats, and boots at home.

You’ll also want to take a look at the weather forecast for the day and dress appropriately. During the cooler seasons, bring a light jacket or wear layers, especially if visiting at night.

5. Travel Light

This is quite possibly one of the most important Cedar Point tips for roller coaster junkies.

If you plan to spend your day riding roller coasters (as you should), skip the bulky backpacks and purses. For the safety of all riders and visitors, Cedar Point’s roller coasters require you to either hand your belongings to a non-rider or rent a locker. You cannot bring bags or belongings onto the bigger coasters.

With this in mind, pockets and fanny packs are your friends. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only one rocking a fanny pack at the park!

If you must bring a bag, lockers are available for rent throughout the park. Keep in mind, all-day lockers are located near Ocean Motion inside the main gate. The locker rentals only accept cash and credit cards. If you plan to visit the park for more than one day, you cannot leave your belongings in the locker overnight.

Throughout your day, you’ll only need items such as:

• Cash/Wallet
• Your Phone
• Photo ID
• Sunscreen

All this can fit into either your pockets or a styling fanny pack!

6. Arrive Right at Opening

You’ve traveled all the way to Sandusky, Ohio, why not make the most of your trip to Cedar Point?

With this in mind, make sure you get to the park right as it opens. There’s no need to arrive super early or rope drop, as the park does an amazing job of scanning tickets in an efficient manner.

However, if you’d like to beat the crowds entirely, try entering through either one of the side or back park entrances. Use the park map to find the other entrances throughout the park.

7. Start Your Day at the Back of the Park

Another of the top Cedar Point tips is to head right to the back of the park once through the entrance. Most theme park goers enter the park and instantly go on the first ride they see. By going all the way to the back of the park, you’ll be able to hop in line for some of the biggest and best rides with the least amount of wait time.

On the other hand, if you’ve planned ahead and have a specific coaster in mind you’d like to conquer, go there first instead. You’ll be able to get in line and on the ride instantly if you’ve shown up at opening time, too.

8. There’s More to the Park than Roller Coasters

Although Cedar Point is known for its towering roller coasters and extreme thrills, there’s far more to the park than that. Other areas of the park include:

• Kiddy Kingdom
• Planet Snoopy
• Camp Snoopy
• Cedar Point Beach
• Frontiertown
• Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
• Lakeside Midway

Plus, at these different sections of the park, you can take part in activities like:

• Fort Sandusky Mining Co.
• Candle Making
• Glass Blowing
• The Barnyard

Even if you’re not traveling with kids, other areas and activities throughout the park provide a brief escape from the crowds and lines around the roller coasters. Plus, after looping and zooming around, you’ll need a bit of a breather before diving headfirst back into the thrill rides!

9. Eat and Hydrate

Amusement park food doesn’t typically have a great reputation. But all that will change once you try the food at Cedar Point! From sit-down restaurants to quick snacks, you’ll be amazed at how tasty everything at the park is.

However, since the park’s culinary scene is no secret, one of the most beneficial Cedar Point tips is to try and dine at off-peak times. Try grabbing an early lunch or late dinner while everyone else is enjoying the rides for shorter wait times and more food! Plus, while everyone else heads to the restaurants at typical dining times, you’ll take advantage of shorter lines at the rides. It’s a win-win!

And, make sure you hydrate throughout the day. If you wish to purchase a souvenir cup for refills throughout the day, make sure you secure it in a locker or with a non-rider when you go on the roller coasters. You may bring unopened water bottles into the park if you wish.

10. Escape the Heat and Watch a Show

Remember, there’s far more to Cedar Point than the rides! The park’s shows are phenomenal and a fantastic way to beat the summer heat or a sporadic rain shower.

With 15 different shows and performances to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your entertainment preferences. Plus, the park also has shows just for kids featuring the PEANUTS gang!

11. Pace Yourself

Listen up! The last of our Cedar Point tips is the most important and crucial. Ready?

Pace yourself.

Between roller coasters, food, shows, entertainment, the beach, and everything else at the park, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed. Don’t feel as though you have to do everything during your visit. In fact, you may not be able to ride all the roller coasters and see all the shows.

It’s more important to pace yourself, have a fantastic time, and create lifelong memories with your friends and family.

Use Our Cedar Point Tips on Your Next Trip

Do you remember what the first Cedar Point tip was?

Save big on Cedar Point admission by purchasing your park tickets today!